The Institute for Priestly Formation is pleased to offer the Spiritual Exercises, 30-day retreat for diocesan seminarians, diocesan priests and bishops.
Preparatory days, retreat conferences and transition seminar conversations focus upon illuminating the unique identity of diocesan priesthood.
An affective integration of sexuality within the gift of celibacy as a generative gift from God is emphasized.
Prerequisites include:
Participation in two five to eight day silent individually directed retreats. IPF's summer program of intensive spiritual formation or other shorter directed retreats will also be considered.
Note: It is important to have at least one, and preferably two, retreats where there are daily meetings with a spiritual director who personally guides and offers suggestions for Scriptures and meditations for the retreat.
Current prayer life consisting of 60-minutes of Scripture based contemplative prayer, every day.
Openness to use of the spiritual senses and entering into imaginative prayer.
Affective maturity and the capacity for transparent self-disclosure and honesty with one’s spiritual director.
Exceptions to the aforementioned prerequisites can be discussed if there seems to be equivalent spiritual preparation through life experience.
A telephone interview and the completion of an application form are also required.